With thunderstorms forecast for this afternoon today’s ride was always going to be somewhat limited. The last time I came this way this was farm land, now filled gravel workings, the birds in the foreground are Greylag Geese. This is the view behind the previous photo, the last time I came this way it was … Continue reading "ANOTHER DAMP END TO THE RIDE"
Read MoreCategory: Europe
Wet Finish to a Great Day Out
The forecast was not too promising with rain due mid-afternoon, today’s ride with Neale our youngest son had been in the calendar for awhile now. Making our way westwards into a fresh breeze the skies darkened and the first spots of rain were felt late morning. A change of route had us visit Lechlade on … Continue reading "Wet Finish to a Great Day Out"
Read MoreRandom images from today’s journey.
Imagine having this electrical pylon in your front garden. This is right on the outskirts of Appleton. This info board has only been installed during the last week. The other end of the village I came across this herd, there where so many of them they had to be covered by the following shot as … Continue reading "Random images from today’s journey."
Read MoreA TRIP TO BRILL
Wednesday 3rd May The last time I considered visiting Brill was a day of thick fog, today’s forecast was much better and I had sunny spells all day. Twelve miles into my journey was the parish church of Drayton St. Leonard with it’s unusual clock tower and profusion of cowslips. Brill, is a hilltop village … Continue reading "A TRIP TO BRILL"
Read MoreFLOOD WATCH
Sunday 2nd April. We had unprecedented amounts of rain on Friday with local media reporting flooded roads, abandoned vehicles and supermarkets closed. So Sunday morning I popped out for a few hours to check on the area of the River Ock. Between Southmoor and West Hanney. This is around a mile upstream at Lyford. Looking … Continue reading "FLOOD WATCH"
Read MoreA DAY IN THE IND AND RAIN
With some long rides planned for a few months time, I needed to get out on the bike for a few hour despite the poor forecast. The following photos are few random things that took my eye. With the recent and ongoing wet weather the Thames is running high and fast. A few feral geese … Continue reading "A DAY IN THE IND AND RAIN"
Read MoreA DAY RIDE
A few photos from yesterdays journey. River Thame near Stadhampton. Ford at Ewelme. Cress beds at Ewelme. St. Botophs’ Church, Swyncombe. Church yard, Syncombe. Beech woods near Stoke Row. Maharajah’s Well, Stoke Row. Another great day out on the bike.
Read MoreAnother Morning Ride
Cold start to the day, though nice and sunny with light winds. Pollarded willow tree by the village pond and Sunningwell Art School. These are becoming quite common in rural villages, making good use of old phone boxes. Back to Steventon checking out the progress to the replacement roof, the stonework was being repointed on … Continue reading "Another Morning Ride"
Read MoreBridges and a Smiley Face
Bright sunny crisp day, too cold (for me) to go far today so just a gentle trundle. This ancient bridge spans Swift Ditch close to its confluence with the Thames. Swift Ditch is a back water of the main stream and cut the long corner of the river as it flows through Abingdon. The land … Continue reading "Bridges and a Smiley Face"
Read More5th Annual D K Drew Memorial Ride
Its now 5 years since my father in law, Doug, passed away. Every year since our youngest son Neale and myself have done a ride in Doug’s memory. We try to cover together in kilometres the number of years he lived (86). We meet at a mutually convenient place around 6 miles from where each … Continue reading "5th Annual D K Drew Memorial Ride"
Read MoreBetween the Showers
Managed to get a couple times today between bouts of rain, it’s a reoccurring theme to my and others rides in recent postings. The Three Amigos in Steventon, I had to return and capture all three. Not so placid today. This and the following shots are from this afternoons trundle, checking out the flood waters … Continue reading "Between the Showers"
Read MoreA Failure and a Gruesome Location
I failed dismally this to find the restored section of the Wilts and Berks Canal located in the village Grove. Its not that big a place but I couldn’t locate it. Found my way to the village green in West Hanney for a quick bite. This innocuous looking bridge is called Gallows Bridge on my … Continue reading "A Failure and a Gruesome Location"
Read MoreFlowers and a House
Today was a case of rain, then sun then torrential rain. These snowdrops are the first of the year for me, taken while the sun was briefly out. This unusual house could be yours for snip at a guide price of £325,000 ($393,000 or 368,550 Euros), it has been on the markets for months, can’t … Continue reading "Flowers and a House"
Read MoreWaterfalling Wednesday
As I have exhausted the local supply of waterfalls, with last weeks offering, I chose the following as today entry. This set of weir gates is only opened during periods of high water levels as we are experiencing just now. The building in the background with the chimneys is the Lock Keepers house. Looks as … Continue reading "Waterfalling Wednesday"
Read MoreA Little Unexpected
Had to run an errand into Abingdon this morning, delivering a chocolate cake to my mother in law. As the sun was shining brightly I would take the longer less direct route there. Recently flooded fields off of Peep O’Day Lane, this is a walking / cycling route to the edge of Abingdon. This is … Continue reading "A Little Unexpected"
Read MoreDamp Ride to Finish the Year.
Despite the heavy rain this morning I had to go out to keep the streak going. The owner of this property just outside the village dammed this stream up to create the pond in the photo below. The pond covers quite an area. This is the outlet from the pond, yet another unnamed stream. Though … Continue reading "Damp Ride to Finish the Year."
Read MoreQuick Morning Spin
Having to run an errand into the neighbouring village of Steventon, I took the opportunity of taking a few quick photo’s. Steventon Parish church, I think it has a lead roof. Not really sure I would want these in my front garden, fibre glass I think. This house is opposite the church. This is again … Continue reading "Quick Morning Spin"
Read MoreMorning Ride
Managed to get for a couple of hours this morning, bright and sunny though chilly. This is the main river stream with the Culham Lock cutting on the other side of the willows. Looking upstream from the same point, due to the recent heavy rains the river is running high and fast. From here is … Continue reading "Morning Ride"
Read MoreWatery Ride
Just a few photo’s from yesterday’s ride, forgot to take the camera this morning. This is Drayton 1066, as it is meant to be seen. Can’t get far enough away to get the whole expanse in. This is Appleford Gravel Pits, another local bird watching haven. The ride to be a very quick 12 miler … Continue reading "Watery Ride"
Read MoreAn Unusual Waterway
Wednesday is usually my cycling day of the week, so having missed out last week on a decent ride due to the weather I was more than happy to get out today. I found this cloud formation interesting, until a few minutes later it dumped its load on me, I had to scuttle away to … Continue reading "An Unusual Waterway"
Read MoreBefore The Rains Arrive
Today would have to be just a short trip out due to the heavy rains forecast for later this morning. This rain would be a challenge as it would fall on already frozen ground. This is the pond in the hamlet of Sutton Wick, love the remaining branches on the willow. This is from the … Continue reading "Before The Rains Arrive"
Read MoreA Bicycle for Daily Use
This is The Duchess, she belongs to my wife who no longer rides. Having made a few changes to her, raising the saddle, changing the pedals and fitting lights etc, I now ride her for shopping, and like this morning, trips to our allotments (Lottie). Soon after moving to Drayton 2 1/2 years ago we … Continue reading "A Bicycle for Daily Use"
Read MoreA Questing Photo
As its been a while since I last posted I thought I would just show an image taken during a recent visit to the north of the county.
Read MoreA Summer Solstice Surprise
No, the surprise isn’t that I’m finally getting around to contributing something here again, though that’s surprising enough. Here we’ve been in England over a week now and I haven’t posted anything about it. And I haven’t even expressed my thanks to Greg for curating the challenge for the last year, or for Rich for … Continue reading "A Summer Solstice Surprise"
Read MoreThe streak continues
The day surprises us when we wake up in Rome this morning. Weather again! The streak continues! Even better, the weather is fair. We’d come to the Eternal City as the best place to sit out an expected string of rainy days, but instead there’s all of this sun streaming in our window. Monuments and … Continue reading "The streak continues"
Read More
Well, this is good news! When we open up Weather.com today it shows that there will be weather on a daily basis for the next two weeks! It’s too soon to say what will occur beyond that, but if things go well we can expect weather for the rest of the month. So, odds are … Continue reading ""
Read MoreGuide bikes
OK,Greg. Now I feel really bad. Here’s one last post for the October challenge, to help bring the team up to quota. PLEASE DON’t GO! Today’s post is from a ride from two weeks ago, our ride to Acqui Terme, an interesting hot spring spa in the Italian Piedmont region. The decorated bike shot is … Continue reading "Guide bikes"
Read MoreAn implied bike?
So, good so far. Our challengemaster is grudgingly cool with posts about someone else’s bike, and with toon bikes. How about implied bikes? This submission of a brown marmorated stink bug that hopped on the back of my bike during our lunch break on our ride to Bassano del Grappa surely will be greeted with … Continue reading "An implied bike?"
Read MoreFish on bikes!
So let’s test this slippery slope a bit further and see how far we can slide. A decorated bike but not your own squeaked past the judge’s table without getting the hook. How about toon bikes? You’d think this particular judge would look approvingly on this, but one never knows. Who knows why these fish … Continue reading "Fish on bikes!"
Read MoreVegetable stand
Thanks to Suzanne for slapping me beside the head and pointing out that I could post submissions for this month without decorating my own bike, something that’s not quite in my comfort zone for some reason. So today, from the Italian Piedmont region, I can offer up this wonderful vegetable stand we passed by on a … Continue reading "Vegetable stand"
Read MoreSpoiled for choice
So what’s the most uplifting thing we saw today? So much to choose from: cows, a pigeon, sheep, a lovely young lady on her bike taking her pony for a walk? The thirteenth straight day of fine cycling weather? Maybe seeing a Bixnmacherie, which of course we all know is a Bavarian ritual to shower … Continue reading "Spoiled for choice"
Read MoreHappiness is … (14)
Happiness is getting out for a ride in the morning while the sun is still low in the sky and the air is fresh. By the way it is the 14th beautiful sunny day in a row (if I count the day when the sun didn’t come out until 4 p.m. and Scott says that’s … Continue reading "Happiness is … (14)"
Read MoreGals and gulls
Well, you already knew what a fine visit we had with Suzanne and Janos. That was old news yesterday, so it’s really old news today. You’ve even seen video for the second day already, because Suzanne has been so hot to post first and hog all the attention. if you’ve still got any attention left … Continue reading "Gals and gulls"
Read MoreSome old news
By now you know that at long last we met up with Suzanne and Janos yesterday and again today. I feel remiss in seeing that Suzanne has already posted three times about our visit these last two days, and we’re finally getting around to our first one. We have our excuses though: the WiFi in … Continue reading "Some old news"
Read MoreHappiness is … (9)
Happiness is when you see those two vagabond cyclists appear on the horizon. I was very excited (and didn’t get the best pictures) when we finally saw Rachael and Scott riding down the road. For three years we had been talking about meeting up some time some where. So here they are, my cycling heroes, … Continue reading "Happiness is … (9)"
Read MoreWhat can make you happier than a stork in the field?
Two storks in the field, naturally. We know they’re around the region in the summer but had about concluded they’d all flown south for the winter when we found these two on the way to Dinkelsbuhl. The highlight of the day.
Read MoreA perfect match
Happiness is finding yourself in Rothenburg ob der Tauber with your perfectly matched partner.
Read MoreLunch buddies
If we don’t count the political arena and that forty percent of our country has gone stone cold crazy I don’t get sad or angry that often; but I’ll be on the watch for the next time and let you know about it. In the meantime though we have so many things to be happy … Continue reading "Lunch buddies"
Read MoreLeaving Bacharach
If being in Bacharach doesn’t pop at least a few ear worms into your head, you don’t know your Bacharach. Biking down the Rhine as we left Bacharach I had three of his infectious tunes rotating through my head as we hoped the rain would hold off until we reached our next hotel. We did … Continue reading "Leaving Bacharach"
Read MoreSome exotic snack food
We’ve heard from the best authorities that wallabies make a great snack, so we were excited to spot one on our ride to Hasselt. Unfortunately it was safe behind a chain link fence, and we couldn’t find any on the menu when we cruised the restaurants for dinner. We’ll keep watching though.
Read MorePannenkoek: our Dutch word of the day
We’re staying in Belgium for the first few days of our tour, but it’s close enough to the border that we were able to bike to Hulst in the Netherlands on a day ride. I’d wondered how we’d find food in the Netherlands, but an Italian pannenkoek (pancake) for lunch was quite nice. There’s a … Continue reading "Pannenkoek: our Dutch word of the day"
Read MoreBavarian Getaways Completed
The second short tour is now chronicled and posted! It took me exactly one month to get it done. Here’s the link to the journal over on CycleBlaze.
Read MoreBavarian Getaways continued
Bavarian Getaways
I am finally getting around to posting a journal on our two little tours in June. I am writing up our rides a good month after the fact. I wrote hasty notes in the evenings but I will rely mainly on my pictures and the gps route to recreate the days we were on the … Continue reading "Bavarian Getaways"
Read MoreMisty Quest
Europe, at the vanishing point
As some of you know already, we’re cutting our tour short and heading home tomorrow. The Covid situation is becoming alarming in Europe, so there’s that of course – but then it’s plenty alarming back home too. There are a couple of other things on our mind calling us back now also, and it’s just … Continue reading "Europe, at the vanishing point"
Read MoreA Ride to the Blowing Stone
Due to the amount of rain we have had over the last week and that expected this afternoon today’s Quest to Otmoor (north of Oxford) had to be cancelled. Otmoor is a large, flat, low level area with a number of villages I have yet to visit, as the area floods easily I will go … Continue reading "A Ride to the Blowing Stone"
Read MoreGoing Going Gone
Before the month vanishes, I thought I would round up a few pictures for the challenge from my October rides. Many look almost the same – a forest path disappearing in the distant trees, but that’s where I ride most often – when I ride. Due to a pesty infection I have been off my … Continue reading "Going Going Gone"
Read MoreIt must be my magnetic personality
Well, let’s see. So far, Rachael has disappeared in the distance into a mirage, at the end of a long, non-winding road, and into the fog. Somehow though she keeps reappearing, only to disappear again. Today she’s escaped once more, this time crossing the scary bridge over the Po when entering Ferrara. What next?
Read MoreThe lady vanishes, take 3
I’m starting to feel insecure. Day after day, my companion ditches me the first chance she gets. She always comes back, eventually – typically just in time for dinner, because I’m carrying the cash. Today we weren’t even on the road for a mile before she disappeared into the fog.
Read MoreFound, and lost again
On my last challenge post, we lost Rocky at the vanishing point. Some of you comforted me by assuring me that she’d return, and you were right! But now, sadly she’s disappeared in the distance again, in the Valleys of Cormacchio. Where’s Rachael?
Read MoreA Ride Around the Vale Villages
Today was to be a non Questing day, the weather is supposed to be pretty grim tomorrow, so a morning riding locally was called for.
Read MoreIn Search of Another Well
Today’s task would be to ride to Binsey, a hamlet close to Oxford City centre and locate a Well I had noticed on my map of the area. Binsey would add to my County Quest List.
Read MorePesaro: the city of bicycles
We aren’t riding our own bikes in this post, so it’s not a challenge entry. There are plenty of bikes in the picture though, so that’s something. Think of this more as a PSA about Pesaro, a place you may not have heard of but should know about: it’s the self-declared City of Bicycles.
Read MoreTo The Maharajah’s Well
To continue with my county Quest I thought I would head up into the Chilterns, an area of the county I haven’t visited for a while. The Chilterns are a range of hills that bisect the South Eastern corner of the county. From Adwell I thought it would be a reasonably straight forward ride home, … Continue reading "To The Maharajah’s Well"
Read MoreRocky at the vanishing point
I’m of course exceptionally lucky to have a cycling partner to share my life with. Among the many other benefits, one big plus is that I have a subject at hand to include in action shots. Without that, I’d be dependent on either getting better at cycling selfies or on becoming a better artist so … Continue reading "Rocky at the vanishing point"
Read MoreIn Nin: one last arch for the road
Not that we’re sorry to see September go, but we’re dragging our feet just a bit. Here’s one last arch for the road, from our ride to the historically important Croatian city of Nin. Time enough to find some vanishing points for October – they seem easy enough to find.
Read MoreAn Answer to a Question
I was posed a question concerning my last post from the other side of the world, so the easiest way to answer it was to get out on the bike and take the following.
Read MoreVanishing Lines
Short trip out this morning to get an early qualifying photo.
Read MoreSloe Gin
I have wanted to make Sloe Gin for a number years, however, until now I have not been able to find sufficient Sloes growing well away from any roads.
Read MoreAn arch in Cres
No confusion here. I know it’s September, and I know what the theme of the month is still. We’re running out of days, but I think we can still squeeze an arch or two if we look around. Oh, here’s one: at the entryway to our apartment in Cres.
Read MoreA Trip to Town
Now that we live in a village to the south of Abingdon, anything we need that is not stocked in the local shop means we have to travel to either Abingdon or Didcot. Today’s trip out was to Abingdon, as the weather dry though fresh I was able to a turn a six mile return … Continue reading "A Trip to Town"
Read MoreA Day in the Sun
With the recent good weather due to change in the near future today was selected for my third ride your age trip this month. As I’m still Questing the settlements within my home county of Oxfordshire I decided to head for a village I have never been to before, Fulbrook. Setting off in lovely clear … Continue reading "A Day in the Sun"
Read MoreFour Days on the Road: Day 2
Again a beautiful sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. Today’s ride is longer with more climbing as we approach the Ammergau Alps, it is also more interesting. HERE is the journal entry.
Read MoreFour Days on the Road: Day 1
We finally screwed up our courage, packed our panniers and took a real tour, the first time since last summer. Bavaria has a lot to offer, so we opted to dispense with trains and planes (well, we don’t fly with our bikes anyway) and start and end our tour at our front door. HERE is … Continue reading "Four Days on the Road: Day 1"
Read MoreAn archback selfie
Does this count? It’s a shot taken looking up at the mirrored ceiling in the lobby of our hotel, at the end of our ride to Labin. It’s a stretch (ha, ha), but there’s nothing else archlike in this post so it will have to do. There are a few arches in the photo gallery … Continue reading "An archback selfie"
Read MoreStarting the month off right
I like this! The first subject of interest that I see this month has an arch or three! And, stepping a bit further back, we can bring in a veritable tunnel of arches pointing at them like a weapon. Really, there are enough arches here that I can kick back and take the rest of … Continue reading "Starting the month off right"
Read MoreIn Međimurje
I can’t believe it’s the end of the month already. I have to say that the August challenge fell off the mental map for the last few weeks while we were transitioning to Croatia, but I’ll try to do better next month. Surely we’ll see an arch or two along the way here. i wasn’t … Continue reading "In Međimurje"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 45: That’s a Wrap
I’ve come to the end of my “Travels on a Bicycle” archive of photographs. I’ll finish with some of my favourite photographs. Not all taken while on a bike ride, but all related to cycling. Malaysia I really like the composition of this one. The shot was taken by a photographer for Cycling Malaysia magazine … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 45: That’s a Wrap"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 42: Alkmaar
Alkmaar is best known for its traditional cheese market. Cheese has been bought and sold on Waagplein square since 1365. Today’s Alkmaar Cheese Market is for the tourists. Dutch cheesemaking has been a mass-market industrial operation since the 1960s, and the real business if buying and selling cheese takes place in corporate offices. Much of the … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 42: Alkmaar"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 38: Random Dutch Views
Low levels of inspiration today. So today’s offering is a selection of photographs taken from Dutch cycling paths. Unusual for it to be so still in the Netherlands. The almost constant wind makes up for the lack of hills. This was taken on the way to Moerkapelle. Rippled water is the norm. Looking down one … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 38: Random Dutch Views"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 34: Den Haag 2
If you don’t want to ride a bike to these spots in Den Haag you can ride one of these. Everywhere is within walking distance of a tram stop. 1 The Knight’s Hall was built as a castle for the Earls of Holland in the 13th century. It sits in the Binnenhof, which is the … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 34: Den Haag 2"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 33a: Scheveningen
Suzanne asked, “But where are the pictures of the beach?” in response to Virtual Tour 33: Den Haag 1. I have Virtual Tour 34: Den Haag 2 ready to go. There are no pictures of the beach in that post either. To correct that oversight . . . Scheveningen is one of the eight districts … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 33a: Scheveningen"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 33: Den Haag 1
Den Haag was home for two or so years, starting in 2010. We lived very close to the city centre, which wasn’t hard to do given that the area of the city is only 98km2 / 38mi2. I rode to and through these places many many times. 1 We lived in this apartment building – … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 33: Den Haag 1"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 26: Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk is a village in the South Holland province known for its iconic 18th-century windmills. To drain the polder, a system of 19 windmills was built around 1740. This group of mills is the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. 15.5km / 10mi from my … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 26: Kinderdijk"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 25: The Maeslantkering
Vlaardingen is about 23km / 14mi due south of Den Haag. The ride down the North Sea coast and then along the Nieuwe Waterweg to Vlaardingen is more like 50km / 31mi. The cycle route kinks left at Hoek van Holland, where the Nieuwe Waterweg empties into the North Sea. Hoek van Holland is the … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 25: The Maeslantkering"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 24: Ride to Schiphol
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport aka Schiphol is the main international airport of the Netherlands. Before 1852, the entire polder of Haarlemmermeer in which the airport lies was a large lake with some shallow areas. 17% of the country’s current land area has been reclaimed from the sea or lakes. Schiphol is 50km / 31mi from Den Haag. A nice distance for a summer’s evening ride. … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 24: Ride to Schiphol"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 17: Sights along the A12
The A12 motorway connects Den Haag with the German border near Zevenaar. The bike path alongside the A12 was a regular ride route. I would ride through Voorburg to get to the A12. Voorburg is thought to be the oldest city in the Netherlands. It has its roots in the 2nd century when a local … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 17: Sights along the A12"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 12: Getting from A to B on a Bicycle in the Netherlands
Regular readers know that I lived in the Netherlands for about two years. I miss it. The Netherlands really is a cyclist-friendly country. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly a form of strict liability is the law in the Netherlands for bicycle-motor vehicle accidents. If a car collides with a cyclist, the driver’s insurer is … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 12: Getting from A to B on a Bicycle in the Netherlands"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 10: The Ronde van Vlaanderen
Den Haag (The Hague) in the Netherlands was my home from 2010 to 2012. The Belgian border is about 100km / 62km to the south. Belgium is home to some of the most prestigious one-day professional road cycling races. Including one of the five biggest, collectively known as the Monuments. The Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders).is … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 10: The Ronde van Vlaanderen"
Read MoreVirtual Tour 3: Public Art
I lived in The Hague in the Netherland for two years or so. What a country for cyclists. Here are two posts about public art I saw from my bicycle while riding in Holland. As I said in the first of these posts, I am sure I missed more than I noticed. The first link … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 3: Public Art"
Read MoreOne last red for the road
We’re leaving Spain this morning, our Iberian adventure having run its course. We’d have been happy to stay a bit longer but unfortunately our visa expired. We’re on our way to San Diego, the starting point for our next tour, but taking the long way around – by flying East two time zones to Istanbul. … Continue reading "One last red for the road"
Read MoreSome reds in passing
The final ride of our Iberian tour was a hill climb, to a minor pass north of Valencia, Alto del Garbi. It was a great ride, and the perfect ending to the tour. Surprisingly, we saw several figures dressed in red along the way; so of course I have to post them.
Read MoreRed Aguilas
OK. No more snake photos. My friend Frank Hates snakes and says he’ll quit following my blog if I keep that up. Plenty of reds though in Aguilas, a small coastal fishing town south of Valencia. Poinsettias everywhere.
Read MoreHoliday/Monthly challenge: a red and a rescue
It’s Spain’s Constitution Day, and it seems appropriate to celebrate their holiday while we’re over here. When in Spain, do as the Spaniards do. Actually, we didn’t see anything very holidayish here in Mojácar on our day ride to El Marchal, but we did have an awesome ride. The featured photo is of a ladder snake … Continue reading "Holiday/Monthly challenge: a red and a rescue"
Read MoreDecember Challenge: Red in Rod
I assume the few citizens of Rodalquivar eventually just shorten their village’s name to Rod. I’m not that excited about today’s shot in Rodalquivar from our ride to Aqua Amarga because bougainvillea in bloom is still pretty common here. Like Em though, I’m not seeing a lot of reds in this environment and I feel … Continue reading "December Challenge: Red in Rod"
Read MoreNovember’s Challenge:a kid in Córdoba
I’ve deleted this post, but am leaving its place here for the sake of the attached comments. The reactions to this month’s challenge have been quite a surprise to me, and educational. I’ve got mixed feelings about the subject but thank you all for sharing your thoughts. I’ll come up with something hopefully less controversial … Continue reading "November’s Challenge:a kid in Córdoba"
Read MoreNovember Challenge: Jackpot!
Taking pictures of kids on bikes isn’t that hard, really. Just shrewdly choose a well placed bind in a strategic spot, take position, and lurk (erm, I mean just patiently wait) for the right moment. Not hard if you’re a patient person, and don’t mind risking getting picked up as a perv. Me, I’m neither … Continue reading "November Challenge: Jackpot!"
Read MoreNovember’s challenge: a few kids
First off, I have to apologize to the 365 crowd. It didn’t occur to me that this might be a sensitive subject. I’m so out of touch – my mind is still stuck back in mid last century somewhere, when life seemed much simpler. in any case, I did manage to find a few kids … Continue reading "November’s challenge: a few kids"
Read MoreNovember/holiday challenges: All Souls Day
I was rueing the fact that the November kid’s challenge came too late for Halloween this year, but little did I know that Portugal doesn’t celebrate Halloween. They celebrate All Souls Day, the day after Halloween and the first of November. Perfect for the November challenge, and perfect for doing double duty for the Holiday … Continue reading "November/holiday challenges: All Souls Day"
Read MoreChallenge of the month, November 2019: let’s hear it for the children!
This month’s challenge was inspired by Halloween, because it’s such a great time for children watching. Unfortunately Halloween falls in October this year, but maybe you could trick the judges and treat us with an early entry. Whatever. This month is dedicated to children – yours, trick or treaters, kids on bikes, waifs on the … Continue reading "Challenge of the month, November 2019: let’s hear it for the children!"
Read MoreTotally flagged
Well, here’s luck of a sort. We found another pair of flags flying low enough to work well with the bike. And it was really lucky that the wind was so strong that they’re blowing out like sheets of cardboard. The flag on the left is the national flag of Spain, and the other is … Continue reading "Totally flagged"
Read MoreA flag in Toro
I’ve been surprised to find that this challenge is harder than I expected – maybe the hardest one yet for me. There are plenty of flags around, but I’ve been looking for one that would work well in a photo with a bike. It’s a problem – the flags are always way up in the … Continue reading "A flag in Toro"
Read MoreChallenge of the month, October 2019: Flagging interest
With the coldest and wettest (or hottest and driest, depending) part of the year on the horizon, is your cycling interest flagging? If so, we’ve got just the challenge to revive it: Flags! National, regional, ecumenical, corporate; straight out in a gale force wind, lightly luffing in a breeze, completely limp; up a pole, on … Continue reading "Challenge of the month, October 2019: Flagging interest"
Read MoreRiding the Loop
Today a link to my BLOG … … … I have been neglecting my blog, it’s been over two months since my last entry. But now I again feel the need for writing there. This is where I write for myself, post the pictures I like, this is where I think the least about what … Continue reading "Riding the Loop"
Read MoreMID-WEEK QUEST
Wednesday 6th September Today’s plan to visit the town of Burford (located on the edge of the Cotswolds) were thwarted when I found the Charney Bassett to Buckland road was closed due to major roadworks. Not wishing to follow the recommended diversion onto the very busy A420, I chose to change plans and head for … Continue reading "MID-WEEK QUEST"
Read MoreCycle Days Challenge: August
My goal for August was to get a ride and picture every day. There were some rainy days, some lazy days, a sick day and computer problems where I thought I might have lost all my pictures. It was a struggle. HERE is the story with pictures, mainly pictures, on my website page.
Read MoreLAST SATURDAY’S QUEST
Saturday 24th August. I must have had a senior moment as I’m sure I posted this ride last week, but sadly no. Today’s mission would take me to Chawley and then to a village I’ve never been to before North Hinksey. Harvesting is in full swing. Though not all crops are ready. Last house in … Continue reading "LAST SATURDAY’S QUEST"
Read MoreMore Trees and Day Three
Shot from a ride in the nearby woods, I never get tired of pictures of trees. On Day 3 of our ride along the Inn I write: I am surprised and happy to see that my clothes have dried overnight. We have no scary adventures today. The route is one of the less remarkable sections … Continue reading "More Trees and Day Three"
Read MoreA Linden Tree and a Link
We saw this giant linden tree when passing through Iffeldorf on a day outing. It seems to be competing with the church steeple. When in blossom these trees can be almost overwhelmingly pungent. And now for the link – FIRST DAY OF OUR BICYCLE TOUR is now up, including a video. But not by me. … Continue reading "A Linden Tree and a Link"
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